Cervical Osteochondrosis Poor Circulation: Treatment, Symptoms, Causes of the Disease

Osteochondrosis is a chronic degenerative dystrophic pathology of the skeletal system, caused by metabolic disorders under the influence of irritating factors and characterized by numerous symptoms in many organs and systems. With osteochondrosis, the cartilage of the vertebrae is destroyed, and the bodies and processes of the vertebrae become deformed.

Cervical Osteochondrosis: Symptoms and Treatment

Today, there are few people who have not experienced symptoms of this widespread disease: according to statistics, about 60% of the population in developed countries suffer from varying degrees of symptoms of osteochondrosis. The main reason for this widespread prevalence is modern people's sedentary work and lack of exercise.
Previously, cervical osteochondrosis usually began to appear at 45-50 years of age in men and slightly later, at 50-55 years of age in women. But now there is rapid rejuvenation: obvious symptoms of the disease typically appear by age 30, and it is not uncommon for symptoms to first appear in their 20s.

symptom

With long-term damage to the vertebral arteries, the blood supply to the brain can be disrupted. Due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), there is an increased risk of ischemia (reduced blood supply to the area), circulatory encephalopathy (damage to blood vessels in the brain), and stroke.Dizziness is one of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and cerebrovascular accidentCerebrovascular accident combined with cervical osteochondrosis has the following symptoms:

• Visual impairment, oculomotor disorder. The patient's vision decreases, "fog" appears in front of the eyes, and diplopia (diplopia) occurs. These signs appear in the initial stages of pathology.
• Violation of vestibular organs. Movement coordination is then impaired, the patient staggers when walking, and the muscle tone of the upper limbs is weakened. Other symptoms of impaired cerebral circulation include vertigo (dizziness), hearing impairment (noise, ringing, diminished), impaired object perception, etc.
• Change sleep and wake patterns. Due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, patients feel weak, have increased fatigue, feel sleepy during the day, and cannot fall asleep for long periods of time at night.
• Vegetative vascular syndrome occurs. Sudden weakness, changes in heartbeat (increased or slowed), increased blood pressure, and increased intraocular pressure.
• Paroxysmal disorders. People with cervical osteochondrosis may faint after turning around suddenly or tilting their head back. This occurs due to severe compression of the vertebral arteries and a sudden slowing of blood flow.
• Insanity. The patient becomes suspicious, excessively irritable, and angry for no reason. His memory and concentration are deteriorating.

In addition to the above symptoms, cervical osteochondrosis is also associated with severe headaches (headaches). Typically, painful sensations begin in the back of the head, but they can spread to the arms. Some patients experience throbbing pain in the temples, which may be accompanied by an eruption of vomitus. The pain response is exacerbated when the head is turned or tilted. With long-term compression of the vertebral artery, symptoms worsen and pathology progresses. In the absence of effective treatment, the risk of disability increases. To avoid dangerous complications, long-term and complex treatment is required.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

The development process of cervical osteochondrosis is customarily divided into 4 stages. But this is a rather arbitrary division, since most of the symptoms of the disease can also manifest in other pathologies. In addition, the actual degree of tissue degeneration in the cervical spine may not match the external symptoms.

Phase 1 (preclinical)

In the initial stages, symptoms are mild and often attributed to stress or other illnesses. You experience uncomfortable stiffness in your neck and pain when you make sudden movements or bend over. At this stage, it is likely that incipient osteochondrosis can be eliminated with therapeutic exercises or simply by exercising more and adjusting your diet.

second stage

The pain increases, persists, and becomes severe during sharp turns or bends. Severe headache occurs, the patient quickly begins to feel tired, absent-minded, and periodically experiences numbness in the facial area.

The third phase

The development of a herniated disc often results in dizziness, arm weakness, pain that radiates to the back of the head and arms, and persistent sensations in the shoulders.

Stage 4

Eventually, the disc is destroyed and replaced by connective tissue. The nerve becomes pinched, causing difficulty moving, severe pain, dizziness, and increased tinnitus.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis and cerebrovascular accidents

To understand why blood circulation to the brain is impaired during osteochondrosis, you need to study the anatomy of the cervical spine. The transverse processes of the cervical segment have openings that form tubes through which veins, nerves, and vertebral arteries pass. The latter originates from the subclavian artery, passes through the transverse foramen of C6 (sixth cervical vertebra) and ascends higher. At the level of the hindbrain, the left and right vertebral arteries join to form the branch arteries of the posterior cerebral, internal auditory, and cerebellar arteries (anterior and posterior arteries).According to the above, arteries pass through the cervical spine and are necessary for the normal blood supply to the brain. Additionally, veins and sympathetic nerves are located within the spinal canal.The transverse foramen is considered narrow but has sufficient space to accommodate the neurovascular bundle. Even if the head moves (turns, bends), blood vessels and nerves will not be squeezed.The cervical vertebrae are connected by elastic intervertebral discs. These are pads of cartilage that reduce the impact of running and jumping. These structures also protect nerves and blood vessels from damage. With cervical osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs lose large amounts of fluid and become fragile. Increased load can cause the cartilage pad to flatten and develop cracks in its outer shell. As a result, protrusions (bulges, herniated discs), osteophytes (bone growths) appear, which damage nerves and blood vessels.refer to. According to medical statistics, about 30% of cases of cerebrovascular circulatory failure are related to vertebral artery injury. In most cases, this disease occurs against the background of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and atherosclerosis (overgrowth of connective tissue in the walls of blood vessels).The causes of cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis are as follows:

• The nerves supplying the vertebral arteries are compressed. It causes arteries to spasm, and then blood flow to the brain is disrupted.
• Chronic compression of the vertebral artery. Due to continued pressure, the lumen of the blood vessel becomes narrowed or completely blocked (occlusion). The risk of vertebral artery syndrome is increased.
• The vertebral artery is violently compressed, preventing blood from flowing out. This may occur when the head is turned, and the person may then experience a severe headache and may lose consciousness.

Compression and stretching of the vertebral arteries can occur even in healthy people. With cervical osteochondrosis, important blood vessels are periodically damaged, and dangerous complications can develop.

Causes and risk factors

Oddly enough, humans' susceptibility to osteochondrosis is due to one of their evolutionary advantages - an upright posture: the vertebrae press against each other, and as we age, the connective tissue degrades. Therefore, for the elderly, this is almost an inevitable process. But there are many factors that can cause cervical osteochondrosis to develop earlier and more severely:

• First of all, this is the common sedentary lifestyle in modern life (office workers, drivers and other "sedentary" occupations, watching TV, facing the computer for long periods of time), lack of physical activity
• Nervous and unnatural postures while working: For example, in front of a computer, people often lean forward and adopt tense postures
• The opposite reason is that the burden is too high and unusual for a particular person; but even highly trained athletes, such as weightlifters, are at risk;
• Any cause that disrupts a person's natural posture: uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels, poor sleeping posture, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis;
• Excess weight, often caused by a poor diet
• Frequently stressed, severely nervous, and constantly overworked
• localized hypothermia

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Many important blood vessels, arteries, and capillaries are concentrated in the neck region, so any disturbance in the neck may have adverse consequences, including hypoxia, hypertension, and vegetative vascular dystonia.Cervical osteochondrosis affects the spinal segments that control the function of the shoulder, elbow, thyroid, hands and other organs. If osteochondrosis is not treated in time, it is likely to compress nerves and compress blood vessels, which will inevitably affect the function of other organs.

diagnosis

Since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are mild and often overlap with other conditions, it is best to have an initial examination by a therapist or other specialist (neurologist, orthopedic surgeon). He will ask you about pain and other symptoms, and check your neck mobility, skin condition, balance, and reflexes.If the initial diagnosis is "cervical osteochondrosis, " your doctor will refer you for further testing. The most effective of these is MRI, followed by computed tomography. X-rays are far less effective than the first two, especially for advanced disease. Use ultrasound to check the condition of soft tissues. If your doctor suspects damage to your blood vessels, he or she may recommend a double scan of your blood vessels.Because some symptoms overlap with those of angina and coronary heart disease, you may want to consult a cardiologist, who may recommend an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram.

Treatment characteristics

Insufficient blood supply to the brain caused by cervical osteochondrosis must be treated comprehensively. The basis of treatment is pharmacotherapy; in addition, other conservative methods are used (physiotherapy, physiotherapy, etc. ). In advanced cases, surgery may be needed.Doctors have identified the main goals of treatment:Osteochondrosis and panic attacks

• Restores the function of the brain and improves its blood supply, flooding the organ with large amounts of oxygen and nutrients.
• Alleviates inflammatory responses and activates the regeneration process of damaged tissue.
• Some medications help normalize the blood's composition and make it more fluid, thereby improving its quality and speed of movement.
• Expands the lumen of blood vessels and thickens the damaged area.
• Stabilize blood pressure.
• Restores the normal structure of the spine, fills the cartilage tissue with useful substances and strengthens it.

It is important to understand that complex treatments will help eliminate circulation problems in the brain, but it is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis. But with appropriate treatment, the progression of the pathology can be slowed down in the long term. careful. For medical reasons only, you may take any medication to treat cerebral circulation disorders caused by cervical osteochondrosis. Otherwise, symptoms of the disease may worsen or new symptoms may appear, such as medication-dependent headaches. When drugs are abused, blood circulation to the brain worsens.

Group of drugs that improve cerebral blood flow

The following groups of medications will help improve cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis:

• Vasodilators speed up blood flow and the delivery of nutrients to the brain by increasing the lumen of blood vessels.
• Blood clot prevention drugs and aspirin-type drugs. They improve blood vessel permeability and prevent red blood cells and platelets from sticking to vessel walls. As a result, blood becomes thinner and flows faster to the brain.
• Diuretics. These medications prevent stagnation and swelling. The first drug is used to eliminate excess fluid buildup in brain cells, and the second drug is suitable for eliminating swelling anywhere.
• Osmotic diuretics are the only drugs that do not prevent urine formation. For diuretic stimulation of cervical osteochondrosis.
• Antioxidants. These pills improve the condition of nerve endings and reduce harmful oxidative processes in the body's cells.
• Antipsychotics. These drugs slow down the transmission of nerve impulses, providing long-lasting pain relief. They help cope with stress, long-term pain, and improve spinal nerve conditions.

However, it should be remembered that all drugs have contraindications, so they are forbidden to be taken without the knowledge of a doctor.

Drugs to improve cerebral circulation

Doctors have identified drugs that improve blood circulation in the intracranial vessels to treat osteochondrosis of the neck:

• A bronchodilator that relieves spasms and normalizes blood flow. It is often used during electrophoresis, a physical therapy procedure in which drugs penetrate into the body through the skin under the influence of an electric current.
• A drug based on theophylline and niacin can oxygenate the blood and improve its quality. When used, microcirculation accelerates, blood vessels dilate, and blood circulation normalizes. This drug can quickly lower blood pressure.
• Medications containing lipoic acid help dilate the lumen of blood vessels. It improves metabolic processes and eliminates vasospasm.
• A drug based on cow blood. It helps normalize intracranial blood vessel conditions, replenishing neurons with oxygen and glucose.
• Niacin helps dilate small blood vessels, lowers concentrations of bad cholesterol, and restores blood supply to the brain.
• Vasodilator drugs, which make the blood less viscous and normalize microcirculation, help eliminate dizziness.

refer to. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be used in the event of a cerebrovascular accident related to osteochondrosis. These drugs help relieve pain that occurs later in the pathology. However, since they have many contraindications, long-term use is prohibited without a doctor's permission.Often, multiple medications are used during treatment according to a specific regimen.

additional treatment

Comprehensive treatment is supplemented by physical therapy to influence the cause. With the help of exercise therapy, you can improve blood circulation, metabolic processes and improve the nutrition of the spine. With regular exercise, the muscles surrounding the damaged vertebrae can be strengthened, resulting in mild relief from symptoms. However, regular attendance at classes is a must in order to achieve good grades.In case of cerebral circulation disorders associated with cervical osteochondrosis, special gymnastics are requiredPatients must adhere to the following training rules:

• Start with simple movements, at a slow pace and with minimal amplitude, and gradually increase the speed.
• Before exercise, massage your neck or take a hot bath to warm your muscles.
• During training, pay attention to how you feel. There may be some discomfort at first, but after 3-4 days your body will adapt and your health will improve. If this does not happen or acute pain develops, see your doctor.

Each patient's syndrome is compiled by a physician based on symptoms, severity of pathology, age, and overall health.refer to. If cerebral circulation disorders occur, supplemental exercise therapy is recommended, including walking or biking, swimming, yoga, breathing exercises, and aerobic exercise (elliptical machine, exercise bike).Adjuvant treatment is physiotherapy. To improve cerebral circulation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, medicinal baths and acupuncture can be used.In order for the spine and blood vessels to function properly, patients must eat properly. The diet needs to be supplemented with foods rich in fiber, fatty acids, B-complex elements, tocopherols and ascorbic acid. To do this, you need to eat more vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs. In addition, patients should eat more fatty sea fish, lean meat, nuts, vegetable oils, etc. , and it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of filtered water every day.In case of improper diet, nutritional deficiencies can be compensated with the help of vitamin and mineral complexes. Your doctor will help you choose the right medication.Surgery is only performed in extreme cases when cervical osteochondrosis causes poor circulation to the brain. If there is a large bone growth that is compressing the blood vessels, surgical intervention may be needed. During the surgery, the osteophytes are removed; if for some reason this is not possible, a stent is inserted into the blood vessel.

How to treat cervical osteochondrosis

True, sustainable success in cervical osteochondrosis treatment can only be achieved with a comprehensive approach that includes medications, neck massage, therapeutic exercises, and physical therapy. In particularly severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. Of course, patients must eliminate or minimize the factors that contribute to the development of the disease: exercise more, eat better, etc.We strongly advise against self-medication, mainly because the symptoms of osteochondrosis can mean a completely different disease: the medication you choose not only won't help, but may also cause harm. Even during periods of increased pain, do not rush to the pharmacy to buy painkillers - it is better to make an appointment with your doctor, or even better - make an appointment in advance at the first symptoms.

Relieve acute pain

Osteochondrosis, especially in its later stages, can be associated with severe pain, so your doctor's first priority is to relieve your pain. He will prescribe pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, chondroprotectants to restore cartilage tissue, medications to improve circulation and reduce muscle spasms.In this article we deliberately do not give the names of specific drugs - it is better to leave the choice to the doctor, who will consider all possible consequences and evaluate contraindications.

Treatment exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

The simplest and easiest to use, including at home, are therapeutic exercises. At the same time, it is also very effective because it can strengthen the neck muscles, restore blood circulation to damaged areas, and make up for the lack of exercise in daily life. Physical therapy can be supplemented with swimming and aqua gymnastics.There are many methods, including the use of simulators: most of them do not require special equipment or any special conditions, but we recommend that you contact the Sports Therapy Office, who will select the most effective exercise groups for you and conduct sessions under the guidance of experienced expertsDown.

physiotherapy

Proper and consistent use of physical therapy methods can improve circulation to the damaged area, reduce inflammation and pain, and slow the ossification process.For cervical osteochondrosis, methods such as electrophoresis, magnet therapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, therapeutic baths and showers, mud therapy, etc. can be used.

Neck massage to treat cervical osteochondrosis

For osteochondrosis, massage is very effective: it improves blood circulation, reduces the likelihood of spasms by reducing muscle tone, relieves painful symptoms and improves the patient's overall health.But massage and manual therapy must be done with great caution, as inappropriate and rough effects on diseased parts of the body can only cause harm. We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor first.

Surgery

In particularly severe cases, even surgical intervention cannot be ruled out: narrowing of the spinal lumen, formation of a herniated disc or spondylolisthesis.The need for and method of surgical intervention are determined by the surgeon, who also determines preparation for surgery, postoperative duration, and recovery.

Causes of cerebral circulation disorders and venous outflow

Impaired venous outflow due to cervical osteochondrosis is a common cause of headaches, decreased mental performance, persistent weakness, and lethargy. Stagnation of venous blood causes fluid to seep into intercellular spaces. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure. The brain's structures are under tremendous stress and cannot function properly. Blood pressure levels may then begin to rise. In general, this condition is dangerous because there may be a threat of hemorrhagic stroke. It has a very high mortality rate even in young patients.

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease whose negative effects can be minimized with appropriate and timely prevention. You need to think about prevention in childhood: poor posture and flat feet in children are reasons for consultation with a doctor for diagnosis.The basis for preventing osteochondrosis is a correct lifestyle: reasonable physical activity and regular exercise during sedentary work, a healthy diet, and weight control.

complication

Chronic hypoxia can quickly lead to human body dysfunction. Without timely and adequate treatment, the above symptoms will gradually worsen. Depending on which brain is most affected by the lack of necessary substances, a variety of complications are possible.Consequences of cervical osteochondrosis and cerebrovascular accidents:

• Hyperosmolar disease;
• cerebral ischemia;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• Orientation and coordination problems;
• changes in the quality and type of breathing;
• Decreased upper limb mobility.

Even if the conditions listed have begun to occur, this is not a reason to panic. In this case, there is also an opportunity to heal and completely restore the damaged function. The most important thing is to stop putting off seeing your doctor and start treatment as soon as possible.